Programme equips farmers with skills on resistant crops, techniques

THE first integrated farming using climate change adaption techniques in the Highlands region was launched in Tambul district of Western Highlands on Friday.
The programme was funded by the United Nations Development Programme under its small grants programme and launched by the Highlands Piggery and Farmers Association, at the Kiripia Catholic Mission Station.
The first 40 model farmers in the association received seedlings, stock feed, spray pumps, ducks, piglets and other start-up supplies after going through a week-long intensive training.
The training teaches farmers on how to survive when natural disasters like frosts, droughts and unexpected heavy rain, due to climate change, struck.
Chairman of the association Moses Pala said integrated farming was a new concept that would help farmers overcome new pest and diseases that affected food crops and livestock.
Pala said all association members would receive similar assistance.
His group, Pala said, was working with the National Agriculture Research Institute (Nari) and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA).
He said the group was one of four in Chimbu and Eastern and Southern Highlands to receive funding from UNDP under its small grants.
Nari’s research and development coordinator for the Highlands region Kud Sitango, said he would work with the association members by providing technical assistance.
Sitango said climate change was a worldwide problem and was affecting farmers in the provinces.